New Start Counselling and Psychotherapy
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Frequently asked questions
No, the NDIS continues to fund supports for individuals with psychosocial disabilities, mental health conditions that result in significant, enduring functional impairments. However, the NDIS does not fund clinical mental health treatments such as psychiatric care, medication management, or acute interventions. These services remain the responsibility of the mainstream health system.
The NDIS focuses on capacity-building supports that enhance daily living skills, social participation, and independence for those whose mental health conditions cause substantial functional limitations. For example, the NDIS may fund services like psychosocial recovery coaching or therapeutic supports aimed at improving functional outcomes, but not clinical therapy or treatment for mental health conditions.
How can I tell if I have funding for counselling in my NDIS plan?
There are a few ways to check if you have funding that can be used for counselling:
Look under Capacity Building – Improved Daily Living This is the most common category where counselling is funded. Your plan might say:
"Improved Daily Living Skills"
"Assessment, training, or therapy to help build your skills and independence"
If this section has a dollar amount allocated, and your plan is self-managed or plan-managed, you can usually use it for counselling — especially when it supports your NDIS goals.
Check for these support item numbers
15_043_0128_1_3 – Individual Counselling
15_056_0128_1_3 – Other Professional (if the support is framed as capacity-building therapy)
These numbers might not be written in your plan, but your support coordinator or plan manager can check for you.
Ask your support coordinator or plan manager They can help you review your plan wording and funding categories to confirm what services you can access. Counselling can be funded when it helps with things like emotional regulation, communication, relationships, independence, and community participation.
Still unsure, or confused? Feel free to get in touch. I’m happy to look over your plan with you and help you work out what supports you can access — or provide a professional support letter if you're preparing for a plan review.
General counselling typically addresses emotional or psychological issues, offering support for personal challenges, relationships, or mental health concerns.
NDIS-funded counselling with a capacity-building focus, on the other hand, is designed to help participants develop skills that enhance their independence and daily functioning. This includes supports that assist individuals in managing the functional impacts of their disability, such as improving communication skills, developing coping strategies, or building routines. These services are funded under the NDIS when they are directly related to the participant's disability and aim to increase their capacity to participate in daily life.
Great question — while psychosocial recovery coaching and counselling can complement each other, they offer different types of support.A Psychosocial Recovery Coach (PRC) helps you build skills and confidence in day-to-day life. It's about:Setting goals and making practical steps toward themNavigating services, systems, and supportsBuilding independence and emotional resilienceSupporting your recovery journey outside the therapy roomWorking collaboratively with your NDIS team and community supportsA Counsellor, on the other hand, helps you explore emotional experiences, process trauma, and work through mental health concerns like anxiety, grief, or depression in a more reflective, therapeutic way.In short:PRC = Practical support + skill building + system navigationCounselling = Emotional insight + therapeutic processingI’m trained and experienced in both, and I can help you figure out which type of support (or combination) is best for you.etween a Psychosocial Recovery Coach and a Counsellor?
Great question, while psychosocial recovery coaching and counselling can complement each other, they offer different types of support.
A Psychosocial Recovery Coach (PRC) helps you build skills and confidence in day-to-day life. It's about:
Setting goals and making practical steps toward them
Navigating services, systems, and supports
Building independence and emotional resilience
Supporting your recovery journey outside the therapy room
Working collaboratively with your NDIS team and community supports
A Counsellor, on the other hand, helps you explore emotional experiences, process trauma, and work through mental health concerns like anxiety, grief, or depression in a more reflective, therapeutic way.
In short:
PRC = Practical support + skill building + system navigation
Counselling = Emotional insight + therapeutic processing
I’m trained and experienced in both, and I can help you figure out which type of support (or combination) is best for you.
A psychosocial disability is a term used to describe the functional impact that a mental health condition can have on someone’s everyday life. It’s not the diagnosis itself, but the way the condition affects things like:Building and maintaining relationshipsManaging emotions or behavioursKeeping up with daily tasksFinding and keeping workFeeling safe and confident in the communityConditions that may lead to a psychosocial disability include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression or anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, and others.Not everyone with a mental health diagnosis will experience a psychosocial disability, but for those who do, it can be long-term and significantly impact quality of life and independence.That’s where Psychosocial Recovery Coaching comes in — to offer practical, strengths-based support that helps people feel more capable, connected, and in control of their lives.at is a Psychosocial Disability?
A psychosocial disability is a term used to describe the functional impact that a mental health condition can have on someone’s everyday life. It’s not the diagnosis itself, but the way the condition affects things like:
Building and maintaining relationships
Managing emotions or behaviours
Keeping up with daily tasks
Finding and keeping work
Feeling safe and confident in the community
Conditions that may lead to a psychosocial disability include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression or anxiety, PTSD, complex trauma, and others.
Not everyone with a mental health diagnosis will experience a psychosocial disability, but for those who do, it can be long-term and significantly impact quality of life and independence.
That’s where Psychosocial Recovery Coaching comes in, to offer practical, strengths-based support that helps people feel more capable, connected, and in control of their lives.
In Australia, the distinction between a Psychologist and a Counsellor lies primarily in their training, regulation, and approach to therapy.
Psychologists undergo comprehensive training, typically specialising in modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with a strong emphasis on psychological theory and statistical analysis. Their education spans six years, starting with four years dedicated to foundational education in various modalities, psychological theories, and research methods. The latter part of their training focuses on supervised clinical practice. Psychologists are equipped to diagnose mental health conditions and administer psychometric tests. Importantly, they must be registered under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), enabling them to provide services under Medicare.
Conversely, Counselling in Australia is less regulated, allowing individuals with varying levels of training to practice. While some Counsellors may have completed comprehensive six-year training programs, others might have only completed short online courses. To ensure quality standards, professional associations like the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) set high accreditation standards for Counsellors. The best idea is to check the Therapists credentials before entering into a relationship with them.
Counsellors often focus on developing therapeutic skills such as empathy, active listening, and effective questioning techniques. They prioritise creating a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their mental health journey and discover solutions within themselves. Unlike psychologists who frequently work within a diagnostic framework, counsellors tend to adopt a holistic approach, viewing individuals within the broader context of their lives and experiences.
It's essential to recognise that while this overview provides a generalisation of the differences between Psychologists and Counsellors, there are practitioners within each profession who may diverge from these norms. Individuals seeking therapy should consider factors such as the practitioner's approach, experience, and fit with their personal preferences and needs.
I chose to pursue Counselling, even though I have a Degree in Psychology, because of its emphasis on fostering a collaborative, client-centered approach that respects the unique narratives and strengths of each individual on their path toward well-being.
At this moment Counsellors are not accredited under the Medicare Scheme.
If you would like more information regarding the Medicare scheme and mental health plans please visit:
Mental health care and Medicare - Medicare - Services Australia
Please note that Mental Health Care Plans are not essential in your journey to seeking mental health support. In Australia, individuals can directly access Counselling services (and Psychology and other allied health care for that matter) without the need for a Mental Health Care Plan or a doctor's referral. This direct access removes potential barriers and provides a more straightforward pathway for seeking support. Many Counsellors offer flexible appointment scheduling and may also offer rebates through private health insurance, making Counselling options accessible to a wider range of people. This approach empowers individuals to take proactive steps towards their mental well-being, allowing them to seek support on their own terms and at their own pace.
If you are worried about the cost just note that for many people Counselling is still the most cost-effective way to have therapy (enquire with practitioners to see what they charge and note that a MHCP will fund a gap in that cost).
My current charges are:
$140 for all Counselling sessions
If you have health insurance from Bupa, Police Health, St Lukes, Phoenix, Doctors or Grand United you can claim a rebate if you have the right extras cover. Please contact your health provider for more information.
Current NDIS Charges - as stipulated under the NDIS guide for Counselling Services
Counselling Sessions run for 50-55 minutes
There are certain private health providers in which you can claim my services. Please note you will have to contact them to find out how much you are entitled to claim, as all covers are different:
Bupa Provider Number: J001343
Ask for the required documentation from me in our session for the following funds:
Police Health Fund
St Lukes Health Fund
Emergency Services Health Fund
Phoenix Health Fund
It's incredibly tough to see anyone struggle, especially when you feel powerless to help. As a parent/friend/sister/partner etc., it can feel like navigating uncharted waters. First and foremost, I want you to know that you're not alone. This is a common concern I encounter regularly.
Many people have reservations about Counselling or Psychology, often stemming from negative past experiences. They might recall feeling intimidated by sessions where they were bombarded with questions and observed as if under a microscope. It's completely understandable why they might feel uncomfortable in such situations. Others simply don't know what to say, feeling pressured to perform and communicate when they're uncertain of their thoughts and feelings.
So, how can we shift this perspective for them?
My recommendation is to introduce them to my website. It serves as an initial point of contact where they can familiarise themselves with who I am and what I stand for. It's helpful for them to understand that my approach isn't clinical or rigid. I won't barrage them with clinical jargon or pressure them into divulging information they're not ready to share. They don't have to talk if they're not comfortable doing so. I believe my website gives a good overview to the person I am and I always hope that resonates with people who might be hesitant in starting Counselling.
Moreover, I'm open to accommodating their needs. Whether they want to have a casual chat before committing to a session or prefer having someone to be there during the initial meeting, I'm flexible and only want them to feel at ease.
I firmly believe that the cornerstone of our journey together is our relationship. Let's start by building trust and creating a safe environment where they feel free to express themselves without fear or judgment.
Together, we'll navigate this journey with care and compassion.
Of course. Here are a few that I hope you find helpful.
Remember to visit my blog page for some articles that I have written on a range of mental health issues, and parenting.
I also have a Facebook page and Instagram page where I share helpful insights and resources.